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Thursday, May 2, 2013

The City of Calgary celebrates first LEED platinum building certification

The City of Calgary's Public Building located at 205 8th Ave S.E. next to the Epcor Centre

For the first time, The City of Calgary has achieved a LEED® Platinum rating for Commercial interiors on a civic building. This is quite an accomplishment for an 80 year old heritage building. Beginning in 2008, the Calgary Public Building, at 205 8th Avenue S.E., was renovated to rejuvenate an important part of our history but at the same time create a vibrant and healthy workplace in a building that is also home to an important Calgary performing arts centre.

“The renovation’s primary focus was to improve the environmental performance of the building while also preserving the exterior of the building and upgrading the interior to be more energy efficient,” explains Sharon Purvis, Director of Corporate Properties & Buildings.

Whenever possible, the project team used products that were favourable to the environment and ensured most of the demolition waste was recycled. Metal studs, wood, and piping were also sorted and then appropriately recycled or reused. Through the renovation of the Calgary Public Building, The City of Calgary was able to reduce the energy consumption by about 50 per cent and increase efficiency of the building.

Artist rendering of the Public Building from 1929

“This building is an important part of our history. To be able to restore as many of its original features as possible while still reducing energy consumption and focusing on sustainability is a great achievement that will have long term benefits and ensure it remains part of our future ,” says Ward 11 Alderman Brian Pincott.

Onward/ By 2020, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by 20 per cent from 2005 baseline.